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Xavier University Athletics
BLOG: Ashley Gomez Arrives in Brazil for FISU America Games
07.21.18 | Women's Basketball
Bom dia (good morning) Xavier Fans!
The last day (Friday) was probably been the LONGEST day of my life! We left Dallas at around 8 p.m. on Thursday night for our 10-hour flight to São Paulo, Brazil. Because of the time difference, that put us in São Paulo at about 8 a.m. on Friday morning. I was never so ready to get off of a plane! This is my first time ever going out of the country, so that long of a flight is not something I was ready for. We had a very smooth flight though which I am very grateful for.
A few representatives from Team USA picked us up from the airport and we came back to the hotel for orientation. At the hotel, we learned all the ends and outs of Brazil. The biggest difference to me was that the toilet paper does not go down the toilet, it instead goes in the garbage can next to the toilet. God bless American plumbing!
Then, we got a much needed rest time!
We had opening ceremonies last night and it was probably the coolest thing I have ever been a part of. A total of 13 different countries were represented in the ceremony. It was so cool to walk and stand next to so many different nations from around the world. We handed out business cards that had our Instagram account information that we made for this trip (@aiausa for those curious). This Instagram page is where we will be posting about the social events that we will be hosting in the hotel we are all staying at. It was so cool to talk to the other Team USA members, and also trying to communicate with the athletes from the other countries. My Portuguese is not the best, but I would say I am making great progress!
This morning we will be working with the Samaritans Feet Foundation, which should be a lot of fun! I cannot wait to experience more of this beautiful city, and bring home a Gold Medal for the United States!!
Let's Go X!
-Ashley
The last day (Friday) was probably been the LONGEST day of my life! We left Dallas at around 8 p.m. on Thursday night for our 10-hour flight to São Paulo, Brazil. Because of the time difference, that put us in São Paulo at about 8 a.m. on Friday morning. I was never so ready to get off of a plane! This is my first time ever going out of the country, so that long of a flight is not something I was ready for. We had a very smooth flight though which I am very grateful for.
A few representatives from Team USA picked us up from the airport and we came back to the hotel for orientation. At the hotel, we learned all the ends and outs of Brazil. The biggest difference to me was that the toilet paper does not go down the toilet, it instead goes in the garbage can next to the toilet. God bless American plumbing!
Then, we got a much needed rest time!
We had opening ceremonies last night and it was probably the coolest thing I have ever been a part of. A total of 13 different countries were represented in the ceremony. It was so cool to walk and stand next to so many different nations from around the world. We handed out business cards that had our Instagram account information that we made for this trip (@aiausa for those curious). This Instagram page is where we will be posting about the social events that we will be hosting in the hotel we are all staying at. It was so cool to talk to the other Team USA members, and also trying to communicate with the athletes from the other countries. My Portuguese is not the best, but I would say I am making great progress!
This morning we will be working with the Samaritans Feet Foundation, which should be a lot of fun! I cannot wait to experience more of this beautiful city, and bring home a Gold Medal for the United States!!
Let's Go X!
-Ashley
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